DIY refugium

[DJChesnutRabbit]

For this project I used a 20L, but the same concept can be used for any size aquarium.

The first thing I did was measure the inside of the tank to get the measurements for the glass baffles. Next you want to get an idea of how high you want the height of the waterline and the baffles. Bear in mind, when/if you loose power, you will have some water back it's way down into your fuge.

I'm using about 3/4 of the height of the tank for my application. Next it was off to the glass shop with measurements in hand. I ordered 1/4" glass and told them the measurements had to be within 1/16" so I would have a good fit.
NOTE: I can't stress this enough. Make sure the glass shop sands the edges of the baffles. If you don't, when you install them or when cleaning them down the road you WILL be cut to ribbons.

Next, I measured out where I wanted the baffles, based on the room need for skimmers, pumps, ect. and marked out the measurements with a sharpie.
Now the fun part, silicone the baffles... First you must make sure you have a silicone that DOES NOT have any mold or mildue inhibitors. Either use a actual aquarium silcone or GE silicone I.
Now, I added the first baffle, used a speed square to make sure it was square upright and siliconed it in place.
You need to wait about 30 minitues in between baffles or you will knock them loose or out of place.
Meanwhile cut some pieces of wood 1" x 1" and longer than your baffle. Use these as spacers in between your bubble trap for a perfect installation.


You'll note on my fuge here, I optted to use eggcrate and a 4" tall baffle between my return and the fuge. From my experience, you could end up with a waterfall effect on your pump and cause microbubbles. This method seems to rid that problem and the eggcrate keeps the macro algae in the fuge.

Good luck !

[Mr.Reefer]

I would like to make one for my 75g reef, could you please post more details?

thanks!

[scubafan]

That's a very nice customized refugium!
Be sure not to light the fuge 24/7. Simulating underwater atmosphere, where its not well-lit.

[DJChesnutRabbit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Reefer

I would like to make one for my 75g reef, could you please post more details?

thanks!

I think I wrote this up fairly specific. Feel free to PM me with any questions and I'll be glad to help you out.


And scubafan, thanks I went through a lot of reading on DIY fuge's before I used this design. Now, a year later, I took it out and tore it down to make a 55g sump plumed to a wet room.